Jeff Landin column: State's paper industry adapting with times

While the paper industry has its fair share of history, this column will focus on the here and now. The paper industry has faced numerous challenges over the past year and will continue to deal with them in 2013. Whether it was new onerous environmental regulations, lower demand from the stagnant economy, or unfair trade, we experienced it all.

On the regulatory front, the Environmental Protection Agency has been launching an unending assault on manufacturing over the past fur years. The latest rule that puts new restrictions on coal fired boilers comes at a great cost with little tangible benefit. And we know that there are many more proposed regulations coming that have the paper industry in the crosshairs.

The paper industry knows we need reasonable regulations but they need to be cost effective and provide a clear benefit to the public. Neither is the case with rules coming out of Washington under this administration.

The slow economy has also been an issue for the many sectors of paper industry. Businesses and consumers have been purchasing less. Fewer goods purchased means fewer boxes are needed which directly affects package makers. More people are getting their news electronically which means less coated paper is needed for magazines. People are using less paper at work, which impacts printing and writing grades.

We also saw unfair trade from southeast Asia impacting the coated paper market used for magazines an other glossy publications. Two Wisconsin paper companies filed unfair trade actions with the International Trade Commission and tariffs were levied on the unfair imports.

While we the paper industry will continue to face these and other challenges, there are many positive things to highlight. We have a diverse portfolio of paper products made in Wisconsin and most are in markets that are either stable or growing. We are a leader in tissue production, food packaging, medical papers, thermal papers, and paperboard.

Wisconsin is also blessed with a workforce that is second to none. We lead the nation in papermaking because of their ingenuity, work ethic, passion, and commitment to the craft of papermaking.

I am always amazed when I drive through Kaukauna, Combined Locks, Neenah, Menasha and Appleton by the sight of the paper mills along the various waterways. Many are still in production; some have been converted to other purposes. They all represent a storied industry of the past, the present and the future.

Yes, there is a future ahead for the paper industry in Wisconsin. We are still a major economic force in the Fox Valley and throughout Wisconsin. I am confident that you will read that in the Annual Report for years to come.

- Jeff Landin is president of the Grand Chute-based Wisconsin Paper Council.

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Jeff Landin column: State's paper industry adapting with times

While the paper industry has its fair share of history, this column will focus on the here and now. The paper industry has faced numerous challenges over the past year and will continue to deal with

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